Contemporary style is a popular way of designing your home with modern minimalist influences to help create a comfortable living space. It's not relegated to one room either. The entire apartment or home can take on a crisp new look just by paying special attention to warm neutral colors with accents, smooth surfaces, and clean straight or curved lines.

Create the perfect harmony in each of your rooms by selecting various key pieces that contribute to your contemporary style. Uncluttered is a word that comes to mind when discussing contemporary style but that does not mean it has to be boring. The less is more phrase definitely works with contemporary style, however, you can focus on pieces that make cool statements through your furniture, flooring choices, artwork and even bedding. Add a splash of color to any of your contemporary furnishings as an added eye-catching bonus. Keep reading to learn more about what is contemporary style and how to achieve it.

Modern vs. Contemporary Style

So, are modern and contemporary style the same thing? The short answer is no. Contemporary style refers to what's trending in design at this very moment, while modern style is a distinguishable aesthetic rooted in the mid-1900s that focuses on neutral colors and clean lines. While sometimes used interchangeably, contemporary style and modern style have a distinct difference and it relates to a specific time period. Think of modern style as a new uncluttered style relating to a bygone era. Contemporary style can incorporate some elements of modern design, but it is often trendier and includes many earth-friendly features.

How to Achieve Contemporary Style

Sofas: Whether a formal living room and dining room or casual family room, your seating says a lot about the vibe of your home. Adding a large piece like a contemporary sofa is the perfect place to start. Gone are the days of grandma's plastic covered sofas, todays' seating are designed to be used, and even slept on. Often the focal point of a room the contemporary sofa is not only functional but helps create an inviting space.

Accent Chairs: There are many styles and colors of contemporary chairs to choose from. You can be as simple or as grand as you like with these chairs that range from wingback to recliners to downright artsy. The chair can complement your couch or act as its own separate entity. That's the great thing about contemporary style, it doesn't have to be a standard matching set as long as its subtly sophisticated. Grab a throw in the mix for a pop of color.

Tables: It's nothing like having guests over to enjoy a cup of tea or a meal on your table and they immediately notice the stylish choice you made. A smartly placed coffee table can be the room's centerpiece while the dining table will serve as the gathering hub for holidays, birthdays and other milestone celebrations with family and friends. Whether round, oval, or rectangular make sure the table has plenty of room to walk around and can hold the intended number of chairs you want it to hold. There are many shapes and surfaces to choose from and contemporary style loves a mixture of geometric shapes.

Rugs: Something chic and soft to walk on after a hard day's work may be just what you need. Contemporary rugs can add a splash of color and flair to just about any room in your home. Consider pairing the color scheme with your living or family room furniture or neatly place it under your dining room table to make the room more stylish and intimate. Don't forget the great outdoors, especially as the weather warms. Outdoor rooms are all the rage and there's even a rug for that.

Lighting:Light and light fixtures can decide the mood of a room. When it comes to contemporary lighting it's all about designs with simple lines and curves. Many of the contemporary lighting fixtures highlight neutral earth tones. The great thing about these light fixtures is that they can pretty much go in any room you desire. Dress up your nightstand with a table lamp, highlight your family room with a floor model lamp, or add understated drama to your dining room with a sophisticated chandelier.

Art:Contemporary art can help bring dull walls and boring rooms to life, especially if strategically placed so that it becomes one of the room's focal points. Don't be afraid to branch out into the unknown and shop for that special piece. While most people thing of art as wall paintings, it is also cool to consider items like mirrors, tapestries and display shelving.

Bedding:Why not make the coziest part of your home stylish too. How you begin and end your day is important so don't overlook your bedroom. Contemporary bedding typically includes solid and textured pieces like comforters, duvets, pillow shams and bed skirts. They are usually in earth tone colors and can help create a luxurious Zen like feel. You can even dress them up by adding a bed runner with a splash of color.

Remember, next time you ask yourself, what is contemporary style, remember, contemporary style is simple, no need for floral prints or ruffles, just basic and often bold pieces that add a touch of class to your spaces. Shop these contemporary styles for your home.

Written by Carisa C. Chappell

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